“The Telegraph has admitted it did a sloppy job, and we welcome that,” said Media Centre Director Andre Charadia. “But the fact is that damage may have been done. It’s inadvertently pushed the stereotype that being lesbian, gay or bisexual is inherently unhealthy.”

“Somebody should have picked up on this before it went to print. It’s now on the Daily Telegraph’s editorial team to ensure this doesn’t happen again.”

“The community is right to be angry. Anti-LGBTIQ activists and extremists continue to push the false narrative that we are unhealthy and not natural in order to deprive us of our dignity and humanity. It’s this false narrative that causes real anguish among vulnerable young LGBTIQ people, and those young people will be feeling targeted.”

LGBTIQ people face significant mental and physical health challenges compared to other Australians, but this is often the result of discrimination and lack of access to health services. Young LGBTIQ people are particularly vulnerable, being five times more likely to attempt suicide and twice as likely to self-harm.(1)

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Acknowledgement of Country

The Australian LGBTI Media Centre Team acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land we all work and meet on, the many First Nations of this ancient continent. We pay our respects to elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Our LGBTIQ elders

The Australian LGBTI Media Centre pays our respects to our LGBTIQ elders who fought, and continue to fight for the right to live our lives free of discrimination.